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UHP marches alongside JABSOM, UH in annual Men's March Against Domestic Violence

October 5, 2018 —

Pictured: The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa group, which includes JABSOM and University Health Partners. Vina Cristobal photo. 

Written by Vina Cristobal, University Health Partners of Hawaii

Related: Click here to see the HI Now segment featuring Dean Hedges and medical student Mark Guirguis. 

To see the Hawaii News Now Sunrise segment with Dean Hedges, click here.

Every year, the John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) participates in the annual Men’s March Against Domestic Violence. To create camaraderie and partnership with the medical school and the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, University Health Partners also played a role in building awareness for domestic violence.

“It felt so good to be with so many people fighting domestic violence,” said Tripit Reevesman of Provider Enrollment. “With the national conversation focused on assaults on women, it felt good to be doing something positive and seeing so many young men dedicated to making a difference.”

Dean Jerris Hedges’ personal testimony of domestic violence in his upbringing prompted him to become one of the many community leaders involved in the Men’s March and efforts relating to domestic violence awareness. He encourages students, faculty and staff to become more involved in this cause.

Dr. Keawe Kaholokula, chair of the Department of Native Hawaiian Health, led the JABSOM/UHP group through Downtown Honolulu, chanting, “Stop violence now!”

In the state of Hawaii, more than 9,000 domestic violence survivors sought help from local organizations that are against domestic violence. Five 911 calls related to domestic violence are made every hour. One in five employed adults is a victim of domestic violence, which leads to a lower level of productivity. 1 in 15 children are exposed to situations of domestic violence, and has a higher chance of carrying that behavior for the rest of their lives.

“I believe in leading by example,” said Chip Ellis, UHP Chief Financial Officer. “Participating in the Men’s March Against Domestic Violence was a great opportunity to join with many others to send a message to those troubled souls who think they can solve their problems with violence.  Domestic violence is not acceptable.  As a society we need to make that message clear to all.”

To see more photos of the March, click here.

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